Seniors have lower rates of problem gambling than adults in
the general population – however, certain subgroups of older adults may be at
increased risk to develop gambling problems and because of the life-stage, the
financial consequences of problem gambling can be particularly devastating to a
senior citizen.

Why Do Seniors Gamble?

The vast majority of older adults gamble for recreation and
have few if any problems from their gambling behaviors. Seniors may be
attracted to gambling because:

Trips to gambling venues such as casinos or bingo halls
provide an opportunity to socialize.

Gambling venues often work to attract this subgroup of
people, by offering amenities such as free transport, free or discounted meals
and other bonuses to seniors who come to gamble

Seniors often have more free time to fill and are sometimes
prone to boredom – gambling can fill the hours with excitement

Older adults may lose the physical capacity to engage in
hobbies and recreational activities that were once enjoyed. Because gambling
takes very little physical strength or ability, it can fill this activity void.

Why Are Some Seniors More Vulnerable to Problem Gambling?

Some seniors may be especially vulnerable to developing a
gambling problem. Situations that may put an older adult at risk include:

Losing
a spouse

Loneliness

Dealing
poorly with retirement

Health
problems that limit participation in other activities

Having
financial problems

Cognitive
declines that may impair judgment

Others

The Consequences of Problem Gambling for Seniors

In one research study, which compared the percentage of
income spent on gambling by problem gamblers of differing age groups, it was
found that problem gambling women aged 35 – 55 spent, on average, 77% of their
total monthly income on gambling. By contrast, among problem gambling women
aged 56 and up, the average monthly expenditure equaled 249% of monthly income!

Older adults are more likely living on a fixed income and once
retired or with few working years ahead of them, the consequences of a loss of
life savings or the loss of a paid-for house can be severe. Other consequences
can include an inability to pay for needed medical care or medications, the
need for a financial bail-out from family members, the possibility of
committing illegal acts to finance their gambling habit, stress and ill-health
and more.1

Because of this and because problem gamblers rarely
recognize the early warning signs of a gambling problem, family members should
be on the lookout for warning signs of a gambling problem. Some signs to watch
for include:

Unaccounted
for blocks of time

Unexplained
money problems

The
sudden disappearance or sale of valuables

Avoiding
friends or relatives

Discontinuing
activities that were once enjoyed to spend more time gambling